The Arctic Ice is Melting: Save the Arctic in Hoboken
Okay, so there aren’t any polar ice caps floating in the Hudson, but have you ever wondered why all those cheerful, bundled up young people on Washington Street are trying to get your attention? After filling my belly with Taco Truck, I decided to spend a few minutes chatting with a young woman named Zena. Before we were done shaking hands, she fired away, “Do you like baby seals and polar bears cubs?†I wasn’t exactly torn in my response, because who doesn’t? She explained to me that because of our dirty fossil fuel use the Arctic ice is melting rapidly. She then mentioned she is part of a movement called Save the Arctic, which is an ongoing project of Greenpeace. “We’re out here everyday from nine to five,†she said. “We want to raise awareness about what’s going on in the Arctic.†We chatted some more, then exchanged emails and parted ways.
Upon returning to the Digest HQ here on Monroe, I shot over to my MacBook eager to find out more. In turns out, in the last 30 years we’ve lost nearly three-quarters of the ice floating at the top of the world. This not only puts the Arctic wildlife in danger, but the Arctic human population as well. The sun’s warmth reflects off our planet’s sea ice, which keeps our weather systems balanced (we depend on this for growing food). Oil drilling has also become a huge problem for the Arctic. Over 4 million barrels of oil pour into the Arctic Ocean every 18 months. That’s about the same amount of oil that was spilled into the Gulf of Mexico by BP back in 2010.
You can contribute to the cause if you wish, as the entire project is funded by people just like you and me. Regardless of whether you donate or not, I think it’s great that they’re out there on Washington spreading the word. If the earth is our home, we should all be privy to what’s going on under our roof. If you’re local and want to contribute, please visit Zena and her peers near Washington and 2nd. If you’re not in our area, or you just want to learn more, visit Save the Arctic.
 
About the Author/s
Michael is the Editor-in-Chief of New Jersey Digest, COO of X Factor Media, and an avid writer. Growing up in Bergen County, he discovered his passion for words while in Friday detention. Michael loves kayaking, a fat glass of Nebbiolo, and over-editing.
